Smriti Mandhana, the left-handed opener for the Indian Women's Cricket Team, achieved a major milestone during the crucial group stage match of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Mandhana entered the One Day International (ODI) clash in brilliant form, having already registered two half-centuries against strong opponents like Australia and England. Despite the opening batter's consistency, this fixture was paramount for Team India to secure a semifinal spot in the tournament.

In the preceding World Cup match, the batters struggled to maintain momentum in the late overs, which resulted in significant pressure and ultimately caused the Indian side to fall short of the target score.

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Mandhana has now become the highest run-scorer among the opening batters in women’s ODI history as she surpassed Suzie Bates’ career runs tally of 5088 runs in 20 fewer innings. The Kiwi batter has smacked 5088 runs in 133 innings, while South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt is third on the list with 4921 runs in 115 WODI innings. This batting record solidifies Mandhana's position as a premier female cricketer on the global stage.

Smriti Mandhana Creates History - Becomes Highest Run-Scoring Opener in Women’s ODI Cricket!

Mandhana has been excellent in the ongoing 50-over series. The left-handed batter advanced down to get the short ball from Rosemary Mair and nailed the pull over the mid-wicket region for a boundary before punishing the leg-side delivery to get it past the wicket-keeper for the same result.

Mandhana and Pratika Rawal celebrated their second 150+ run stand in the Women’s World Cup, which has now matched the two records of the Australian sides in 1997 and 200 by Belinda Clark and Lis Keightley, while in 2022, Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy celebrated the record 2022. They both recorded their respective fifties of the innings and shouldered them to 170/0 in 28 overs.

Madhana has scored 90 runs in 79 deliveries at a strike rate of 113.92 with the help of nine boundaries and three over boundaries, while Pratika has collected 75 runs in 92 balls with the help of 11 boundaries at a strike rate of 81.52.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What milestone did Smriti Mandhana achieve during the Women’s World Cup 2025?

Smriti Mandhana became the highest run-scorer among opening batters in women’s ODI history, surpassing Suzie Bates’ tally of 5088 runs in 20 fewer innings.

2. During which match did Smriti Mandhana break the record?

Mandhana achieved this historic milestone in the group stage match against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai during the Women’s World Cup 2025.

3. How has Smriti Mandhana performed in the Women’s World Cup 2025 so far?

Mandhana has been in outstanding form, scoring multiple half-centuries against top teams like Australia and England, and contributing significantly to India’s semifinal hopes.

4. Who are the other top run-scoring openers in women’s ODI cricket?

After Smriti Mandhana, Suzie Bates of New Zealand (5088 runs in 133 innings) and Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa (4921 runs in 115 innings) are next on the list.

5. What partnership record did Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set in the tournament?

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal registered their second 150+ run stand in the Women’s World Cup, matching the records set by Australian pairs Belinda Clark–Lis Keightley (1997) and Rachael Haynes–Alyssa Healy (2022).